Lionel-Groulx College Control: The suspect was walking around with a toy weapon

An armed suspect seen Friday afternoon walking around with a toy weapon near Lionel-Croulcs College was taken into custody, the Thérèse-de-Blainville Police Department said, the day after he was taken into custody.

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The police also confirmed that the man did not enter the school premises. The suspect was interviewed by investigators Saturday evening after being identified.

“An inhabitant of Sainte-Thérèse, a young minor, would literally wander the streets of the suburbs of the college, with an object that could easily be confused with a long weapon, a weapon in fact. A toy”, explained. Officials said in a press release Saturday evening.

However, several citizens contacted 911 as a precaution, prompting a massive police operation that lasted several hours and led to the confinement of students and staff at Lionel-Croulcs College.

Police remind that the purchase, transportation and handling of weaponized toys must be done in a safe manner in public places.